CN1153278A - Automatic ice production apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic ice-making device and its method, including the rotation control function of the ice-taking motor, the protection function of the ice-taking motor, the water supply alarm/indicating function, the water supply state control function and the water supply motor control function. In order to realize the above functions, the automatic ice-making device includes an ice-taking motor rotation controller for controlling the rotation operation of the ice-taking motor, a water supply motor rotation controller for controlling the rotation operation of the water supply motor, and a water supply motor rotation controller for controlling the rotation of the ice-making motor. The device and dispenser provide a water supply state controller for water pumped by the water supply motor pump, a water level detector for detecting the water level in the water supply tank, an alarm generator for generating an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detector, and a Microcomputer used to control the overall operation of the automatic ice maker.

Description

Automatic ice maker

The present invention relates to an automatic ice-making device and its method, and in particular to such an automatic ice-making device and method, which prevents the tray from being alternately forward/reverse due to the completion of the ice-making operation and the subsequent ice-taking operation. Deformation caused by turning operation.

In general, automatic ice making means a step in which water is automatically supplied to the tray, and then it is detected whether the ice making operation has been completed, and if it is determined that the ice making operation has been completed, the made ice is automatically removed from the tray and stored in the in the ice bin in the freezer section of the refrigerator. Therefore, ice making can be performed very conveniently without separate operations by the user. In recent designs of this type, automatic ice making has been the basic function of the refrigerator, together with a dispenser that allows the user to obtain drinking water without opening the refrigerator door. Such a conventional automatic ice making device will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG.

Referring to Fig. 1, the structure of a general automatic ice making device is shown in block diagram form. As shown in the figure, the common automatic ice making device includes a power supply unit 1 for supplying power to the automatic ice making device; a tray position discriminator 2 for discriminating the rotational position of the tray (not shown); A function selector 3 capable of selecting the automatic ice-making function; an ice-taking motor rotation controller 5 for controlling the rotation operation of the ice-taking motor 4, and a water supply motor rotation controller 7 for controlling the water supply motor 6 that supplies water to the tray; An ice-taking discriminator 8 arranged under the tray for identifying the ice-taking state; and a microcomputer 9 for controlling the above-mentioned components in the automatic ice-making device.

The operation of the conventional automatic ice making apparatus having the above construction will be described below.

When the user presses an automatic ice-making function key on the function selector 3 to select the automatic ice-making function, a corresponding signal is provided to the microcomputer 9, and the power supply unit 1 also provides a driving voltage.

According to the automatic ice-making function key signal received from the function selector 3, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the water supply motor rotation controller 7 to drive the water supply motor 6. When the water supply motor 6 is driven, water is supplied from the water supply tank to the tray. At this time, the tray remains in a horizontal state.

Then, the ice taking discriminator 8 detects whether the ice making operation has been completed. If it is detected that the ice making operation has been completed, the ice taking discriminator 8 outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 9 to inform the microcomputer 9 of this state. In response to the control signal from the ice discriminator 8, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the ice motor rotation controller 5 to rotate the ice motor 4 in a desired direction. When the ice motor 4 rotated, the tray rotated to an ice box, and at this moment, one side of the tray was blocked by a block, while the other side continued to be applied with the rotational force of the ice motor 4. As a result the tray will be deformed.

Due to the deformation of the tray, the made ice is removed from the tray and stored in the ice box. Then, the ice harvesting discriminator 8 detects whether the ice harvesting operation has been completed. If it is detected that the ice harvesting operation has been completed, the ice harvesting discriminator 8 outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 9 to notify this. In response to the control signal from the ice-taking discriminator 8, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice-taking motor to rotate the controller 5 to rotate the ice-taking motor 4 in the reverse direction. As a result, the tray returns to its original state.

Then, the tray position discriminator 2 detects whether the tray has returned to the horizontal state. If it is detected that the tray has returned to its horizontal state, the tray position discriminator 2 outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 9 to notify this. In response to the control signal from the tray position discriminator 2, the microcomputer 9 repeats the above ice making operation.

After the ice box is filled with the made ice, even if the tray is in a horizontal state, the ice full load switch (not shown) is still kept in its ON state. In this case, the microcomputer 9 stops the entire operation of the automatic ice making device. operate.

However, the above-mentioned general automatic ice making device has the following disadvantages.

First, since the tray rotates in only one direction for the ice harvesting operation, the tray deforms continuously in the same direction. For this reason, it is difficult for the pallet to return to its original shape. This reduces the life of the pallet.

Second, since the tray is deformed for the ice-taking operation, the ice-taking motor is overloaded, resulting in reduced life and frequent breakdown of the ice-taking motor.

Third, there is no function to indicate that the water level in the water supply tank is lower than a predetermined value. As a result, the user has to check the water level in the water supply tank himself. This is inconvenient for the user.

Fourth, when both of the refrigerators having the automatic ice making function and the dispenser are simultaneously driven, they are simultaneously supplied with water pumped by the power supply motor. The result is lower dispenser displacement. For this reason, the user has to use the dispenser for a long time to obtain the required amount of water.

Fifth, the water remaining in the water supply hose to the tray freezes into ice due to the temperature of the freezing portion of the refrigerator. In this case, water cannot be supplied to the tray from the water supply tank.

Another conventional ice making device is described in JP, A, 92-111384. The device includes: an ice-making compartment installed in the cooling unit, to which cold air is supplied; a detachable ice-making tray; an ice-making machine with a driving device to rotate the ice-making tray; an inspection ice-making A checking device for whether the operation has been completed; a discriminating device for discriminating the rotating position of the ice-making tray; a detecting device for detecting the amount of ice stored in the ice box under the ice-making tray; a self-checking device for discriminating The signal control device of the device and the detection device controls the control device of the drive device; a connector that connects the signal line of the control device to the signal lines of the inspection device, the identification device and the detection device; and a connector when all the signal lines of the control device are connected. Determining device for determining whether the ice dispenser is separate from the ice making compartment. According to the prior art described above, there is provided an ice making apparatus in which an ice making operation is performed by determining whether the ice maker has been separated from the ice making box. This arrangement has the same disadvantage that the tray deforms in a single direction during the ice harvesting operation, thereby reducing tray life.

Therefore, the present invention is made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice-making device and method thereof, which has a rotation control function of the ice-taking motor for controlling the rotation operation of the ice-taking motor in such a manner that It can alternately perform forward ice harvesting operation and reverse ice harvesting operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice-making device and its method, which has the protection function of the ice-taking motor, which is used to detect the load applied to the ice-taking motor during the ice-taking operation, and protect the machine according to the detection result. Ice-discharging motor to avoid overload.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice making device and its method, which has a water supply alarm/indicating function for detecting the water level in the water supply tank, and if it is detected that the water level is lower than a predetermined value, an alarm is generated to automatically indicate The water supply tank should be refilled with water at the appropriate time.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice making device and method thereof, which has a water supply state control function for stopping automatic ice making and preferentially supplying water to the dispenser when the automatic ice making and the dispenser are driven simultaneously.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ice making device and method thereof, which has a water supply motor control function for returning the water left in the water supply hose to the water supply tank by reversely rotating the water supply motor to prevent Freezing of water trapped in the hose supplying the tray.

According to the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by an apparatus for an automatic ice making device comprising a power supply unit for supplying power to the automatic ice making device; An ice taking motor for the ice taking operation of the device; a water supply motor for pumping water from the water supply tank; a tray position discriminator for discriminating the rotational position of the tray; a function for enabling the user to select various functions for automatic ice making A selector; a dispenser for providing drinking water to the user and an ice-taking discriminator for identifying the ice-making state; the improvement is that it also includes an ice-taking motor rotation for controlling the rotation operation of the ice-taking motor The control device; the water supply motor rotation control device for controlling the rotation operation of the water supply motor; the water supply state control device for controlling the water supply to the tray and the distributor through the water supply motor pump; the water level detection device for detecting the water level in the water supply tank; alarm generating means for issuing an alarm in response to the water level detected by the water level detecting means; and system control means for controlling the overall operation of the automatic ice making means.

The rotation control device of the ice-taking motor includes forward and reverse switching devices for supplying driving voltage from the power supply unit to the ice-taking motor to control the rotation direction of the ice-taking motor; and a switch control device for controlling the ice-taking motor in the system control device Next, control the ON/OFF status of the forward and reverse opening devices.

The forward switching device includes a first switching transistor for supplying a drive voltage from the power supply unit to one end of the ice-taking motor; and a second switching transistor for supplying a ground voltage to the other end of the ice-taking motor.

The reverse switching device includes a third switching transistor for supplying a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the other end of the ice-taking motor; and a fourth switching transistor for supplying a ground voltage to one end of the ice-taking motor.

The switching control means includes a first control transistor for controlling the ON/OFF state of the forward switching means in response to a first control signal from the system control means; and a second control transistor for responding to a second control signal from the system control means Signal to control the ON/OFF state of the reversing switch device.

The water supply motor rotation control device includes a forward and reverse switch device for supplying a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the water supply motor to control the rotation direction of the water supply motor; and a switch control device for controlling the water supply motor under the control of the system control device. ON/OFF state of forward and reverse switching devices.

The forward switching device includes a first switching transistor for supplying a drive voltage from the power supply unit to one end of the water supply motor; and a second switching transistor for supplying a ground voltage to the other end of the water supply motor.

The reverse switching device includes a third switching transistor for supplying a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the other end of the water supply motor; and a fourth switching transistor for supplying a ground voltage to one end of the water supply motor.

The switch control device includes a first control transistor for controlling the ON/OFF state of the forward switching device in response to a first control signal from the system control device; a second control transistor is used for responding to a second control signal from the system control device, Control the ON/OFF state of the reverse switch device.

The water supply state control means includes a dispenser switch disposed at a desired position outside the refrigerator in such a manner that a user can operate the switch; the opening/closing means is driven in response to a driving voltage from the power supply unit, to control the water supply to the automatic ice making device; the switch device to supply the ground voltage to the opening/closing device to control the ON/OFF state of the opening/closing device; and the switch control device to switch ON/OFF according to the dispenser state, which controls the switching operation of the switching device.

The opening/closing device is opened in response to the opening of the switch device to open the water path between the water supply tank and the distributor, the water pumped by the water supply motor is supplied to the distributor, and the opening/closing device is closed in response to the closing of the switch device to open the water supply The water path between the tank and the automatic ice making device provides the automatic ice making device with water pumped by the water supply motor.

In response to opening of the dispenser switch, the switch control device opens the switch device to open the water path between the water supply tank and the dispenser, and in response to closing of the dispenser switch, the switch control device closes the switch device to open the connection between the water supply tank and the automatic ice making device. between waterways.

The water level detection device includes a small chamber defined at a given position in the fresh food storage part of the refrigerator for accommodating the water supply tank; a water level sensor fixedly installed at the center of the bottom of the small chamber, and the water level sensor is axially slotted so that The wall forms an axial passage; the sensor mounting device is vertically formed at the bottom center of the water supply tank, so that the water supply tank can slide smoothly into the interior of the chamber, the sensor mounting device includes a pair of parallel grooves, the grooves extend at the bottom axis of the water supply tank, and respectively Opposite side walls of the water level sensor are slidably placed; transparent windows are respectively provided on the opposite side walls of the tank; and light emitting/receiving devices are disposed in the water level sensor to transmit and receive light signals.

The light emitting/receiving device includes a photodiode, which is arranged on one wall of the opposite side wall of the water level sensor, to emit a light signal; and a phototransistor, arranged on the other wall of the opposite side wall of the water level sensor, to transmit the Receive light signal.

The alarm generating device includes a light emitting diode to generate a light signal, the negative terminal of the light emitting diode is used for inputting the driving voltage from the power supply unit, and the positive terminal is used for inputting the control signal from the system control device.

The automatic ice-making device also includes an ice-taking motor protection device, which is used to detect the load applied to the ice-taking motor, and protect the ice-taking motor from overload according to the detection result.

The protection device for the ice-taking motor includes a voltage detection device connected to the ice-taking motor for detecting the voltage applied to the ice-taking motor when the ice-taking motor rotates forward and reverse; a pair of voltage dividing resistors for Divide the driving voltage from the power supply unit in a desired ratio; and a comparator whose non-inverting input terminal is used to input the voltage divided by the voltage dividing resistor and whose inverting input terminal is used to input the voltage divided by the voltage detection device One of the detected voltages, the comparator compares the two input voltages, and outputs the comparison result to the system control device to control the operation of the ice taking motor.

The voltage detection device includes a first voltage detection resistor connected to one end of the ice-taking motor, for detecting the voltage applied to the ice-taking motor when the ice-taking motor is rotating forward; The second voltage detecting resistor is used for detecting the voltage applied to the ice-taking motor when the ice-taking motor rotates in reverse.

The system control device can be programmed to execute the rotation control step of the ice harvesting motor for alternately performing the forward ice harvesting operation and the reverse ice harvesting operation; execute the ice harvesting motor protection step for responding to the control signal from the ice harvesting motor protection device , to control the operation of the ice-taking motor; execute the water supply alarm/indication step for controlling the water level detection device to detect the water level in the water supply tank, and generate an alarm if the detected water level is lower than a predetermined value; execute the water supply state control step, for stopping the automatic ice making operation and giving priority to water supply to the dispenser when the automatic ice making and the dispenser are simultaneously driven; and performing the water supply motor control step for reversely rotating the water supply motor to remove the water remaining in the water supply hose The water is sent back to the water supply tank, thereby preventing the water left in the water supply hose from freezing.

The steps of controlling the rotation of the ice-taking motor include the following steps: if the user selects the automatic ice-making function, preset a value, check whether the value is even or odd, and alternately perform forward ice-taking operation and reverse ice-taking operation according to the test result, so that the tray can be rotated forward and reverse repeatedly.

The step of protecting the ice taking motor comprises the steps of: if the control signal from the ice taking motor protection device has the first logic state, normal load state, then turn on the ice taking motor rotation control device to drive the ice taking motor normally; The control signal of the ice motor protection device has a second logic state. In the overload state, the ice motor rotation control device is turned off to stop the operation of the ice motor.

The water supply alarm/indicating step includes the steps of calculating the capacity of the water supply tank, accumulating the amount of supplied water, calculating the difference between the calculated capacity of the water supply tank and the accumulated amount of supplied water to obtain the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank, if obtained When the water volume is lower than the predetermined value, the alarm generating device is controlled to generate an alarm.

The water supply capacity of the water supply motor is increased through the accumulated use time to realize the accumulation of water supply, wherein the water supply capacity of the water supply motor is the amount of water pumped by the pump per second.

The water supply alarm/indication step includes the steps of, if the water supply alarm/indication mode is in the initial state, wherein the water supply tank is filled with water by the user, then preset a count operation; drive the water supply motor and start the count operation; when the predetermined time period has elapsed Stop the water supply motor and count operation after the elapse, calculate the water supply amount by accumulating the elapsed time to increase the water supply capacity of the water supply motor; calculate the difference between the capacity of the water supply tank and the calculated water supply amount, to obtain the water remaining in the water supply tank Quantity; check whether the obtained water quantity is lower than the predetermined value, if the obtained water quantity is lower than the predetermined quantity, then control the alarm generating device to generate an alarm.

The water supply alarm/indication step includes the steps of detecting the initial temperature of the tray after completing the ice extraction operation, detecting the current temperature of the tray after supplying water from the water supply tank to the automatic ice making device, and calculating the temperature of the detected tray. The difference between the initial temperature and the current temperature, if the calculated difference is lower than a predetermined value, the alarm generating device is controlled to generate an alarm.

The water supply alarm/indication step includes the steps of detecting the initial temperature of the tray in the initial state of completing the ice-taking operation; controlling the water supply motor to rotate the control device to drive the water supply motor for a predetermined time period, and then detecting the current temperature of the tray; calculating the The detected difference between the initial temperature of the tray and the current temperature, if the calculated difference is lower than a predetermined value, the alarm generating means is controlled to generate an alarm.

The water supply state control step includes the steps of checking whether the dispenser switch arranged at a desired position outside the refrigerator has been opened by the user; if it is detected that the dispenser switch has been opened by the user, then open the solenoid valve and drive the water supply motor to supply water to the dispenser; if the switch of the dispenser is off, check whether the automatic ice maker is in the water supply mode; if it is checked that the automatic ice maker is in the water supply mode, then close the solenoid valve and drive the water supply motor to supply water to the tray for a predetermined time the term.

The water supply motor control step includes the steps of, if the automatic ice making is in the water supply mode, supplying water to the machine tray, and then controlling the water supply motor to rotate the control device, from reversely rotating the water supply motor for a predetermined time period; and when the predetermined time period has elapsed, Control the water supply motor to turn the control device to stop the water supply motor.

The above-mentioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of a common automatic ice making device;

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the construction of an automatic ice making device according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of the rotation controller of the ice-taking motor and the protection unit of the ice-taking motor in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a detailed circuit diagram of the water supply motor rotation controller in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a detailed circuit diagram of the water supply state controller in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a detailed circuit diagram of the alarm generator in Fig. 2;

7A to C are detailed views of the construction of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention;

8A to 8G are views illustrating the operation of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention;

9A to 9B are flow charts illustrating the operation of the microcomputer in FIG. 2, which realizes the forward ice extraction function and the reverse ice extraction function of the automatic ice making method according to the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer in Fig. 2, which realizes the first embodiment of the water level detection function of the water supply tank according to the automatic ice making method of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer in Fig. 2, which realizes the second embodiment of the water level detection function of the water supply tank according to the automatic ice making method of the present invention;

12A and 12B are partial perspective views illustrating the design of a third embodiment for realizing the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the automatic ice making apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 13B is a detailed circuit diagram of the water level sensor in Figures 12A and 12B; and

Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer in Fig. 2, which realizes the water supply state control function of the automatic ice making method according to the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the automatic ice making device and method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 2, a configuration of an automatic ice making device is shown in the form of a block diagram. Some parts in this figure are the same as corresponding parts in FIG. 1 . Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

As shown in Figure 2, the automatic ice making device includes a power supply unit 1 for supplying power to the automatic ice making device; a tray position discriminator 2 for identifying the rotating position of the tray; a function selector 3; an ice-taking motor rotation controller 5 for controlling the rotation operation of the ice-taking motor 4; a water supply motor rotation controller 7 for controlling the rotation operation of the water supply motor 6 for supplying water to the tray; and a setting An ice-taking discriminator 8 for checking the ice-taking state under the tray.

The automatic ice-making device also includes an ice-taking motor protection unit 10 for detecting the load applied to the ice-taking motor 4 and protecting the ice-taking motor 4 from an overload state according to the detected result; A water supply state controller 11 for water supply from the dispenser; a water level detector 12 for detecting the water level in the water supply tank; an alarm generator 13 for generating an alarm when the water level detected by the water level detector 12 is lower than a predetermined value; And a microcomputer 9 is used for controlling the above-mentioned part in the automatic ice making device.

Referring to FIG. 3 , it shows a detailed circuit diagram of the rotation controller 5 of the ice-taking motor and the protection unit 10 of the ice-taking motor in FIG. 2 . As shown in the figure, the ice-taking motor rotation controller 5 includes a plurality of switching transistors 14-17 for providing a driving voltage V2 from the power supply unit 1 to the ice-taking motor 4 to control the rotation direction of the ice-taking motor 4; and a pair of The control transistors 18 and 19 are switched under the control of the microcomputer 9 to control the switching operations of the switching transistors 14-17.

The switching transistors 15 and 17 are used to provide the ground voltage to the ice-taking motor 4 , and the switching transistors 14 and 16 are used to provide the driving voltage V2 from the power supply unit 1 to the ice-taking motor 4 .

Also, the switching transistors 15 and 16 are complementary driven in response to the ON and OFF states of the control transistor 18 , and the switching transistors 14 and 17 are complementary driven in response to the ON and OFF states of the control transistor 19 .

As also shown in FIG. 3 , the ice-taking motor protection unit 10 includes a voltage detection resistor 20 connected to the emitter of the switching transistor 17 in the ice-taking motor rotation controller 5 for use when the ice-taking motor 4 is rotating forwardly. Detect the voltage applied to the ice-taking motor 4; a voltage detection resistor 21 connected to the emitter of the switching transistor 15 in the ice-taking motor rotation controller 5 is used to detect the voltage applied to the ice-taking motor 4 when the ice-taking motor 4 rotates in reverse. Voltage on the ice motor 4; a pair of voltage dividing resistors 22 and 23 for dividing the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 in a desired ratio, and a comparator 24 for inverting the input terminal ( -) Input the voltage detected by the voltage detection resistor 20 or 21, and input a voltage divided by the voltage dividing resistor 22 and 23 at its non-inverting input terminal (+), compare the two input voltages and send to The microcomputer 9 outputs the comparison result.

Referring to Fig. 4, a detailed circuit diagram of the water supply motor rotation controller 7 in Fig. 2 is shown. As shown in this figure, the water supply motor rotation controller 7 includes a plurality of switching transistors 25-28 for controlling the rotation direction of the water supply motor 6 from the power supply unit 1 to the water supply motor 6 with a driving voltage V2, and a pair of microcomputer The control transistors 29 and 30 are switched under the control of 9 to control the switching operation of the switching transistors 25-28.

The switching transistors 26 and 28 are adapted to apply a ground voltage to the water supply motor 6 , and the switching transistors 25 and 27 are adapted to provide a driving voltage V2 from the power supply unit 1 to the water supply motor 6 .

Also, the switching transistors 26 and 27 are complementary driven in response to the ON and OFF states of the control transistor 29 , and the switching transistors 25 and 28 are complementary driven in response to the ON and OFF states of the control transistor 30 .

Referring to FIG. 5, a detailed circuit diagram of the water supply state controller 11 in FIG. 2 is shown. As shown in the figure, the water supply state controller 11 includes a dispenser switch 31 arranged at a desired position outside the refrigerator in a manner that can be operated by the user; A solenoid valve 32 for water supply to the tray; a switch transistor 33 for providing ground voltage to the solenoid valve 32 to control the ON/OFF state of the solenoid valve 32; The control transistor 34 is switched under the control to control the switching operation of the switching transistor 33 .

Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed circuit diagram of the alarm generator 13 in FIG. 2 is shown. As shown in the figure, the alarm generator 13 includes a light emitting diode 35 which is driven in response to a driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 to generate a light signal under the control of the microcomputer 9 .

Fig. 7 is a detailed drawing illustrating the construction of the automatic ice making apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in this figure, the ice-taking motor 4 is arranged at a desired position in the casing 36 of the automatic ice making device. A worm gear device 37 is fixedly installed on the shaft of the ice motor 4 . The first to third gears 38 - 40 are sequentially engaged with the worm gear 37 in such a manner that these gears can sequentially receive the rotational force of the worm gear 37 . A cam 41 is engaged with the third gear 40 so that it can be driven in response to the rotational force of the third gear 40 .

A tray 42 is coupled to the shaft 41A of the cam 41 so as to rotate with said cam 41 . A stop portion 60 is formed on the circumference of the cam 41 in such a way that if the tray 42 is in a horizontal state, a horizontal positive moving threshold 61 stops the rotation by contacting the stop portion 60, if the cam 41 is over-rotated during the ice taking operation. , the over-rotation prevention sill 62 stops the rotation by contacting the detent portion 60 . A concave portion 60A is formed on the stop portion 60 to enhance the effect of the stop portion 60 .

A level switch 43 is provided below the cam 41 to detect the level state of the tray 42 . A level switch regulating rib 44 is mounted on the cam 41 to open and close the level switch 43 .

An ice full load switch 45 is provided near the level switch 43 . When a lever connector 47 is pushed by the ice full load lever adjustment rib 46 mounted on the cam 41, it rotates integrally with the ice full load lever 48, thereby opening the ice full load switch 45.

An ice-taking sensor (such as a thermistor) 49 is arranged at a desired position below the tray 42 to detect the temperature change of the tray 42 to check the ice-making and ice-taking states. The ice-taking sensor 49 is also installed on the ice-taking discriminator 8 to check the voltage change according to the temperature change of the tray 42, and provide the inspection result to the ice-taking discriminator 8, thereby enabling the ice-taking discriminator 8 to distinguish between ice-making and taking-off. ice state.

The operation of the automatic ice making device having the above-mentioned construction according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

First, the forward ice taking function and the reverse ice taking function of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9B.

8A to 8G are views illustrating the operation of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention, and Figs. 9A and 9B are flow charts illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Fig. 2 which realizes the forward ice-taking function of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention And reverse ice taking function.

First, in FIG. 9A, in step S1, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the user has selected the automatic ice making function. If in step S1, the user has not selected the automatic ice-making function, the braking part of the cam 41 is in contact with the horizontal stop threshold 61, and the horizontal switch 43 is located in the concave shape of the horizontal switch adjustment rib 44 installed on the cam 41. part, as shown in Figure 8A. As a result, the level switch 43 remains in the OFF state. As also shown in FIG. 8A , the lever connector 47 is not pushed, but sits in a concave portion on the ice full load adjustment rib 46 mounted on the cam 41 . As a result, the ice full load lever 48 does not rotate, and the ice full load switch 45 remains in the OFF state.

When it is checked in step S1 that the user has selected the automatic ice-making function, in step S2, the microcomputer 9 presets a value (i.e. C=0), and in step S3, outputs a value to the ice discriminator 8 Control signal to check whether the ice making operation has been completed. If it is checked in step S3 that the ice making operation has not been completed, then the microcomputer 9 returns to step S2 to continue checking whether the ice making operation has been completed.

When it is checked in step S3 that the ice making operation has been completed, in step S4 the microcomputer 9 checks whether the numerical value is an even number. If it is checked in step S4 that the value is an even number, then in step S5, the microcomputer 9 controls the rotation controller 5 of the ice-taking motor to rotate the tray 42 in the forward direction. On the contrary, if it is detected in step S4 that the value is an odd number, then in step S6, the microcomputer 9 controls the rotation controller 5 of the ice-taking motor to rotate the tray 42 in reverse.

In other words, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its first output terminal OUT1, and outputs a high logic control signal at its second output terminal OUT2. In the ice-taking motor rotation controller 5, the control transistor 18 inputs a low logic control signal from the first output terminal OUT1 of the microcomputer 9 at its base, and the control transistor 19 inputs a high logic signal from the second output terminal of the microcomputer 9 at its base. control signal. Control transistors 18 and 19 are preferably of the NPN type. As a result, the control transistor 18 is turned off in response to a low logic control signal from the first output terminal OUT1 of the microcomputer 9 , and the control transistor 19 is turned on in response to a high logic control signal from the second output terminal OUT2 of the microcomputer 9 . Since the control transistor 18 is turned off, the switching transistors 15 and 16 are turned off.

Since the control transistor 19 is turned on, it transmits the drive voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 to the base of the switching transistor 17, thereby turning the switching transistor 17 on. Since the switching transistor 17 is turned on, the ground voltage is delivered to the collector of the switching transistor 17 so that a low logic signal is applied to the base of the switching transistor 14 . Switching transistor 14 is preferably of the PNP type. As a result, switching transistor 14 is turned on in response to a low logic signal. The conduction of the switching transistor 14 constitutes a loop formed by the power supply unit 1, the switching transistor 14, the ice-taking motor 4, the switching transistor 17 and the ground terminal. Through the formed loop, the driving voltage V2 is applied from the power supply unit 1 to the ice-taking motor 4 to rotate clockwise. As the ice-taking motor 4 rotates, the cam 41 rotates to rotate the tray 42 mounted thereon.

On the other hand, if the microcomputer 9 outputs a high logic control signal at its first output terminal OUT1, and outputs a low logic control signal at its second output terminal OUT2, then the high logic control signal from the first output terminal OUT1 is applied to The base of the control transistor 18 , a low logic control signal from the second output terminal OUT2 is applied to the base of the control transistor 19 . Since the control transistors 18 and 19 are of NPN type, the control transistor 18 is turned on in response to the high logic control signal from the first output terminal OUT1 of the microcomputer 9, and the control transistor 19 responds to the low logic from the second output terminal OUT2 of the microcomputer 9. The control signal is disabled. Since the control transistor 19 is off; therefore, the switching transistors 14 and 17 are off.

Since the control transistor 18 is turned on, it transmits the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 to the base of the switching transistor 15, thereby turning the switching transistor 15 on. Since the switching transistor 15 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to the collector of the switching transistor 15 and a low logic signal is thus applied to the base of the switching transistor 16 . Switching transistor 16 is preferably of the PNP type. As a result, switching transistor 16 turns on in response to the low logic signal. The conduction of the switching transistor 16 forms a loop composed of the power supply unit 1, the switching transistor 16, the ice-taking motor 4, the switching transistor 15 and the ground terminal. Through this formed loop, the driving voltage V2 is applied from the power supply unit 1 to the ice-taking motor 4 to make it rotate counterclockwise. As the ice-taking motor 4 rotates, the cam 41 rotates to rotate the tray 42 coupled to the shaft 41A of the cam 41 .

As previously described, as the tray 42 rotates, the horizontal switch adjusting rib 44 mounted on the cam 41 rotates in such a manner that its concave portion can push the horizontal switch 43 to open. Also, the lever connector 47 is pushed by the concave portion of the ice full-load adjustment rib 46 mounted on the cam 41 to rotate the ice full-load lever 48 . Also, the ice full load switch 45 is turned on by the lever connector 47 . At this moment, the microcomputer 9 checks in step S7 that the level switch 43 and the ice full load switch 45 are in their ON state, thereby determining that the automatic ice making device has been set in the ready state for taking ice (see FIGS. 8B and 8E ).

Afterwards, since the tray 42 is to be rotated from the ready state for taking ice, the horizontal switch regulating rib 44 mounted on the cam 41 is rotated in such a manner that its concave portion can receive the horizontal switch 43 . As a result, the horizontal switch 43 transitions from its ON state to its OFF state. The lever connector 47 is still pushed by the concave portion of the ice full load lever adjustment 46 mounted on the cam 41, so allowing the ice full load lever 48 to remain in its rotational position and the ice full load switch 45 to remain in its ON position. state. At this moment, the microcomputer 9 checks in step S8 that the level switch 43 is in its OFF state, and the ice full load switch 45 is in its ON state, thereby determining that the automatic ice making device has been set in the ice extraction state (see FIGS. 8C and 8F ). Therefore, in step S9, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice-taking motor rotation controller 5 to stop the ice-taking motor 4 .

If the ice-taking motor 4 has been rotated, the brake part 60 contacts the over-rotation threshold 62, so that the cam 41 and the tray 42 cannot continue to rotate.

Then, at step S10, the microcomputer 9 waits for a predetermined period of time until the finished ice is removed from the tray 42. After the expected time limit has passed, in step S11, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice-taking motor to rotate the controller 5 so that the tray 42 rotates in the direction opposite to the ice-taking direction. As the tray 42 rotates, the horizontal switch adjustment helper 44 mounted on the cam 41 rotates in such a manner that its concave portion can push the horizontal switch 43 to open. The lever connector 47 is still pushed by the concave portion of the ice full lever adjustment rib 46 mounted on the cam 41, thereby keeping the ice full lever 48 in its rotational position. As a result, the ice full load switch 45 remains in its ON state. At this moment, the microcomputer 9 checks that the level switch 43 and the ice full load switch 45 are in their ON state at S12, thereby determining that the automatic ice maker has been set in the return state.

Then, as the tray 42 continues to rotate, the level switch 43 is positioned in the concave portion of the horizontal opening adjustment rib 44 and the rod connector 47 is positioned in the concave portion of the ice full load rod adjustment rib 46 . As a result, the level switch 43 and the ice full load switch 45 transition from the ON state to the OFF state. At this moment, in step S13, the microcomputer 9 checks that the level switch 43 is in the OFF state, thereby determining that the automatic ice maker has returned to its initial state (see FIGS. 8D and 8G ). Therefore, in step S14, the microcomputer 9 controls the ice-taking motor to rotate the controller 5 to stop the ice-taking motor 4 . It should be noted that since the ice box is filled with made ice, the ice full load lever 48 rises, thereby turning on the ice full load switch 45 . In this design, preferably, if the level switch 43 is turned off, regardless of the ON/OFF state of the ice full load switch 45, the microcomputer 9 determines that the tray 42 has returned to its level state.

Then, in step S15, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the user has stopped the automatic ice making function. If check in step S15 that the user has not stopped the automatic ice-making function, then microcomputer 9 adds 1 to the value (i.e. C=C+1) in step S16, and returns to previous step S3 to repeat this step and subsequent steps. On the contrary, in the case that step S15 detects that the user has stopped the automatic ice making function, the microcomputer 9 terminates the entire operation.

In the case of continuous execution of the automatic ice making function, the numerical value changes from odd to even, and vice versa, at step S4, since the numerical value is increased by 1, the rotation direction of the tray 42 is changed. Therefore, the tray 42 can alternately perform the forward ice-taking operation and the reverse ice-taking operation, so that deformation or damage of the tray can be prevented.

Next, the protection function of the ice-taking motor of the automatic ice-making device according to the present invention will be described in detail. According to the present invention, the ice-taking motor protection function is used to detect the load applied to the ice-taking motor 4, and protect the ice-taking motor 4 from an overload state according to the detection result.

When the ice-taking motor 4 rotates in the forward direction, that is, the switching transistors 14 and 17 are turned on, and the driving current proportional to the driving voltage V2 from the power supply unit 1 flows to the ice-taking motor 4 . The driving current is converted into a voltage by the voltage detection resistor 20 and then applied to the inverting input terminal (-) of the comparator 24 . Also, the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 is divided by two voltage dividing resistors 22 and 23 at a desired ratio, and then, is applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the comparator 24 .

On the other hand, when the ice-taking motor 4 rotates in reverse, that is, the switching transistors 15 and 16 are turned on, a driving current proportional to the driving voltage V2 from the power supply unit 1 flows to the ice-taking motor 4 . The driving current is converted into a voltage by the voltage detection resistor 21 and then applied to the inverting input terminal (−) of the comparator 24 . Also, the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 is divided in a desired ratio by two voltage dividing resistors 22 and 23 , and then applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the comparator 24 .

The comparator 24 compares the detected voltage at its inverting input (-) with the divided voltage of the reference voltage at its non-inverting input (+). Then, the comparator 24 outputs the comparison result to the first input terminal INI of the microcomputer 9 .

If the ice harvesting motor 4 is not in an overload condition, the current to the ice harvesting motor 4 will remain at the desired level. In this case, the voltage detected by the voltage detection resistors 20 and 21 is lower than the reference voltage. As a result, the comparator 24 outputs a high logic control signal to the first input terminal INI of the microcomputer 9 . In response to the high logic control signal from the comparator 24, the microcomputer 9 positively drives the ice-taking motor 4 as described above.

However, in the event that the ice extraction motor 4 is overloaded due to the long-term deformation of the tray length 42, the current flowing to the ice extraction motor 4 rises beyond a desired level. In this case, the voltage detected by the voltage detection resistors 20 and 21 becomes higher than the reference voltage. As a result, the comparator 24 outputs a low logic control signal to the first input terminal INI of the microcomputer 9 . In response to the high logic control signal from the comparator 24 , the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its first and second output terminals OUT1 and OUT2 to forcibly stop the ice-taking motor 4 . Therefore, the ice-taking motor 4 is automatically stopped in the overload state, so that it can avoid damage and breakdown due to overload.

Third, the water supply alarm/indicating function of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention will be described in detail below. According to the present invention, the water supply alarm/indicating function is used to detect the water level in the water supply tank, and if the detected water level is lower than a predetermined value, an alarm is generated to automatically instruct the water supply tank to refill at an appropriate time.

First, a first embodiment of the water level detecting function of the water supply tank of the automatic ice making apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10 . In the first embodiment, the water supply capacity of the water supply motor 6 and the capacity of the water supply tank are calculated. The water supply motor 6 is used to supply water to the automatic ice making device and the dispenser.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Fig. 2, which realizes the first embodiment of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention. First, in step S17, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the water level detection function has been set in its initial state. Here, the initial state of the water level detection function means a state where water is added to the water supply tank by the user. If in step S17, check that the water level detection function has not been set in its initial state, then microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S17, continues to check whether the water level detection function has been set in its initial state.

In the case of checking in step S17 that the water level detection function has been set to its initial state, in step S18, the microcomputer 9 resets the timer (not shown), and in step S19, checks whether the water supply motor 6 has been driven.

It should be noted that when the user operates the automatic ice making device or the dispenser, the water supply motor 6 is driven. At this moment, microcomputer 9 recognizes that the water supply motor has been driven. If the water supply motor 6 is driven, in step S20, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the timer to start the counting operation.

Then, in step S21, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the water supply motor 6 has been stopped. If it is checked at step S21 that the water supply motor 6 is stopped, the microcomputer 9 stops the counting operation of the timer at step S22, and calculates the water supply amount at step S23. Here, the water supply amount can be obtained by multiplying the water supply capacity of the water supply motor 6 with the cumulative use time, wherein the water supply capacity of the water supply motor 6 is the pumped water volume per second, and the cumulative use time is the total time that the water supply motor 6 is driven.

Also, in step S24, the microcomputer 9 calculates the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank. Here, the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank can be obtained by subtracting the supplied water amount calculated in step S23 from the volume of the water supply tank.

Then, in step S25, microcomputer 9 checks whether the retained water volume calculated in previous step S24 is less than a predetermined value. Recognizes that there is enough water left in the water supply tank and thereby changes its second input IN2 to a high logic state. Then, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S19 to repeat this step and subsequent steps.

If the second input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 9 becomes a high logic state, no voltage difference is generated between the anode and cathode of the LED 35 in the alarm generator 13 . As a result, the light emitting diode 35 is not driven.

On the other hand, when it is checked in step S25 that the retained water amount calculated in step S24 is less than the predetermined value, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that the water retained in the water supply tank is small, thereby making its second input terminal IN2 goes to a low logic state. Then, the microcomputer 9 terminates the entire operation.

If the second input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 9 becomes a low logic state, a voltage difference is generated between the anode and the cathode of the light-emitting diode 35 in the alarm 13, thereby causing the light-emitting diode 35 to be driven. As a result, the user is able to refill the water supply tank with appropriate time.

Next, a second embodiment of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11 . In the second embodiment, the ice harvesting sensor 49 installed on the ice harvesting discriminator 8 is used to detect the temperature change of the tray 42 .

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Fig. 2, which realizes the second embodiment of the water level detection function of the water supply tank of the automatic ice making apparatus according to the present invention. Generally speaking, the temperature of the fresh food storage part of the refrigerator is kept in the range of about 3°C to 7°C above zero, and the temperature of the freezing part of the refrigerator is kept in the range of about minus 12°C to 20°C. In this design, for For the convenience of explanation, the reference temperature of the fresh food storage 2 section is set to 4°C above zero, and the reference temperature of the freezing section is set to minus 18°C.

First, in step S27, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the automatic ice making device has been set in the initial state after the completion of the ice taking operation. Here, the initial state of the automatic ice maker means that the tray 42 has returned to its horizontal state. If in step S27, check that automatic ice making device has not been set in its initial state, microcomputer 9 just returns to previous step S27 so, to continue checking whether automatic ice making device has been set in its initial state.

When step S27 checks that the automatic ice making device has been set in its initial state, in step S28, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the ice discriminator 8 to detect the initial temperature T1 of the tray 42 by the ice sensor 49 . Since the reference temperature of the freezing portion is initially set to minus 18°C, the initial temperature T1 of the tray 42 is minus 18°C without water being supplied to the tray 42 .

In step S29, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the water supply motor rotation controller 7 to drive the water supply motor 6 for a predetermined long time period, and then stops the water supply motor 6. The structure and operation of the water supply motor rotation controller 7 are the same as the ice taking motor rotation controller 5, so the description is omitted.

If the water supply motor 6 is stopped, then in step S30, the microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to the ice discriminator 8 to detect the present temperature T2 of the tray 42 by the ice sensor 49. Since the reference temperature of the fresh food storage section is initially set at 4°C above zero, the temperature of the water stored in the water supply tank is maintained at 4°C above zero. As a result, when the water supply to the tray 42 is completed, the current temperature T2 of the tray 42 rapidly rises from minus 18°C to within a range of minus 4°C to minus 18°C.

In step S31, the micrometer 9 calculates the difference T1-T2 between the initial and current temperatures T1 and T2 of the tray 42, and checks that the calculated temperature difference T1-T2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If it is checked in step S31 that the calculated temperature difference T1-T2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, then the microcomputer 9 recognizes that the water supplied to the tray 42 is normal, thereby controlling the automatic ice maker to implement the ice making mode in step S32. Then, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S27 to repeat this step and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, when step S31 detects that the temperature difference T1-T2 calculated is less than the predetermined value, the microcomputer 9 is identified as not supplying water to the tray 42 and retaining a small amount of water in the water supply tank. Therefore, in step S33 , change its second input terminal IN2 to a low logic state, so that the alarm generator 13 generates an alarm. Then, the microcomputer 9 terminates the entire operation.

If the second input terminal IN2 of the microcomputer 9 becomes a low logic state, a voltage difference is generated between the anode and cathode of the LED 35 in the alarm generator 13 , thereby driving the LED 35 . As a result, the user is able to refill the water supply tank in due time.

Now, a third embodiment of the water level detecting function of the water supply tank of the automatic ice making apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12A to 13. FIG. In the third embodiment, a water sensor 51 is installed on the water supply tank 50 to detect the water level in the water supply tank. 12A and 12B are partial perspective views illustrating the design of realizing the water level detection function of the water supply tank and three embodiments of the automatic ice making apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12A, a small chamber is defined at a given position in the fresh food storage section to house the water supply tank 50 therein. In this case, the above-mentioned water supply tank 50 is movably installed in the compartment 52 in such a manner that the tank 50 can be removed from the compartment 52 as required.

The water level sensor 51 is fixedly installed in the bottom center of the small chamber 52 . The above-mentioned sensor 51 is axially slotted to form side axial passages by opposite side walls. Thus, sensor 51 has a generally U-shaped cross-section. In order for the tank 50 to slide smoothly into the chamber 52 with the sensor 51 described above, the bottom of the water supply tank 50 is stamped to form a sensor receiver 53 as shown in FIG. 12B. The above-mentioned sensor receiver 53 has a configuration suitable for receiving the side wall of the sensor 51 . Since the bottom of the box 50 has a configuration matched to the sensor 51 having a U-shaped section as described above, the box 50 can be smoothly slid into and moved in the small chamber 52 .

The sensor receiving means 53 includes a pair of axially extending slots 54 at the bottom of the case 50 and are respectively slidably received by the side walls of the sensor 51 . Transparent windows 55 capable of transmitting light are provided on opposite side walls of the groove 54 .

A photocoupler is provided in the water level sensor 51 , and the photocoupler includes a photodiode 56 and a phototransistor 57 respectively arranged on opposite side walls of the water level sensor 51 . The photodiode 56 is adapted to generate a light signal, and the phototransistor 57 is adapted to receive the light signal from the photodiode 56 .

When the water supply tank 50 is placed in the small chamber 52 , the side wall of the water level sensor 51 is received by the sensor receiving device 53 of the water supply tank 50 . In this case, the light signal from the photodiode 56 mounted on the water level sensor 51 is received by the phototransistor 57 mounted on the water level sensor 51 through the transparent window 55 provided on the tank 54 .

FIG. 13 is a detailed circuit diagram of the water level sensor 51 in FIGS. 12A and 12B. As shown in the figure, the driving voltage V1 is applied from the power supply unit 1 to the photodiode 56 , and then the photodiode 56 generates an optical signal. The phototransistor 57 is switched in response to the light signal from the photodiode 56 to control the supply of the drive voltage VI from the power supply unit 1 to the third input terminal IN3 of the microcomputer 9 .

In operation, when the amount of water remaining in the water supply tank 50 is higher than a predetermined value, although the light signal from the photodiode 56 in the water level sensor 51 is emitted through the transparent window 55 of the water supply tank 50, it is received by the water supply tank 50. diffusely reflected by the water in the . As a result, the light signal from the photodiode 56 in the water level sensor 51 cannot reach the phototransistor 57 in the water level sensor 51 . Since the phototransistor 57 does not receive the light signal from the photodiode 56, it remains in the OFF state. Since the phototransistor 57 is in the OFF state, the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 cannot be applied to the third input terminal IN3 of the microcomputer 9 but is interrupted. Therefore, the third input terminal IN3 of the microcomputer 9 remains in a low logic state.

Then, the microcomputer 9 changes its second input terminal IN2 into a high logic state, so that the alarm generator 13 cannot generate an alarm.

On the other hand, when the amount of water retained in the water supply tank 50 is lower than a predetermined value, that is, a small amount of water remains in the water supply tank 50, the light signal from the photodiode 56 in the water level sensor 51 passes through the transparent window 55 in the water supply tank 50. to the phototransistor 57 in the water level sensor 51. Since the phototransistor 57 receives the light signal from the photodiode 56, the phototransistor 57 is turned on. As a result, the driving voltage V1 is applied from the power supply unit 1 to the third input terminal 1N3 of the microcomputer 9 via the turned-on phototransistor 57, thereby bringing the third input terminal 1N3 into a high logic state.

In response to the high logic state of the third input 1N3, the microcomputer 9 recognizes that there is little water remaining in the water supply tank 50, thereby changing its second input 1N2 to a low logic state. As a result, the alarm generator 13 is actuated, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, to allow the user to refill the water supply tank 50 with appropriate time.

It is to be noted that the alarm generator 13 may comprise any visible display means instead of the light emitting diodes 35 . The other is that the alarm generator 13 may include a sound generating device that generates sound signals, such as a buzzer.

Fourth, the water supply state control function of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 14 . According to the present invention, the water supply state control function is for stopping the operation of the automatic ice making device and preferentially supplying water to the dispenser when the automatic ice making device and the dispenser are simultaneously driven.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the microcomputer 9 in Fig. 2, which realizes the water supply state control function of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention. First, in step S34, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the dispenser switch 31 is in the ON state, and the user turns on the dispenser switch 31 to use the dispenser. At this time, the microcomputer 9 detects that the distributor switch 31 is in the ON state, and outputs a high logic control signal at its fifth output terminal OUT5. A high logic control signal from the fifth output terminal OUT5 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to the base of the control transistor 34, thereby turning the control transistor 34 on. Since the control transistor 34 is turned on, the driving voltage V1 is transmitted from the power supply unit 1 to the base of the switching transistor 33 to turn on the switching transistor 33 . When the switching transistor 33 is turned on, the solenoid valve 32 receives the driving voltage V2 of the power supply unit 1 at one end thereof and ground voltage at the other end thereof. As a result, solenoid valve 32 is opened to close the water path to the automatic ice maker and open the water path to the dispenser. And microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to drive water supply motor 6 to water supply motor rotation controller 7. As the water supply motor 6 is driven, it pumps water from the water supply tank and supplies the pumped water to the dispenser (step S35).

Then, in step S36, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the dispenser switch 31 has been turned off. If check in step S36 that distributor switch 31 has not been closed, then microcomputer 9 returns to previous step S35, to control solenoid valve 32 and water supply motor 6, to continue to supply water to distributor.

On the other hand, it is checked in step S36 that the dispenser switch has been turned off, and the microcomputer 9 checks in step S37 whether the automatic ice maker has changed the water supply mode. If it is detected in step S37 that the automatic ice maker has changed the water supply mode, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its fifth output terminal OUT5. A low logic control signal from the fifth output terminal OUT5 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to the base of the control transistor 34, thereby turning off the control transistor 34. Since the control transistor 34 is turned off, it stops applying the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 to the base of the switching transistor 33 to turn off the switching transistor 33 . When the switching transistor 33 is turned off, the solenoid valve 32 is not turned on. As a result, solenoid valve 32 is closed to open the water path to the automatic ice maker and close the water path to the dispenser. And microcomputer 9 outputs a control signal to water supply motor rotation controller 7, to drive water supply motor 6. As the water supply motor 6 is driven, it pumps water from the water supply tank and supplies the pumped water to the automatic ice making device (step S38). Then, the microcomputer 9 returns to the previous step S34, and repeats this step S34 and subsequent steps.

When step S37 checks that the automatic ice maker has not changed the water supply mode, then in step S39, the microcomputer 9 turns off the water supply motor 6, and returns to the previous step S34, repeating this step and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if it is checked in step S34 that the dispenser switch 31 is in the OFF state, then the microcomputer 9 directly proceeds to the previous step S37 to repeat this step and subsequent steps.

Therefore, when the automatic ice making device and the dispenser change the water supply mode at the same time, the dispenser is driven preferentially.

Finally, the water supply motor control function of the automatic ice making device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 . The water supply motor control function according to the present invention is adapted to prevent the water remaining in the water supply hose to the automatic ice maker from freezing by reversely turning the water supply motor 6 so that the water remaining in the water supply hose flows back to the water supply tank.

First, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its third output terminal OUT3, and outputs a high logic control signal at its fourth output terminal OUT4. In the water supply motor rotation controller 7, the control transistor 29 inputs a low logic control signal from the third output terminal OUT3 of the microcomputer 9 at its base, and the control transistor 30 inputs a high logic control signal from the fourth output terminal OUT4 of the microcomputer 9 at its base. Signal. Control transistors 29 and 30 are preferably of the NPN type. As a result, the control transistor 29 is turned off in response to the low logic control signal from the third output terminal OUT3 of the microcomputer 9 , and the control transistor 30 is turned on in response to the high logic control signal from the fourth output terminal OUT4 of the microcomputer 9 . Since the control transistor 29 is turned off, the switching transistors 26 and 27 are turned off.

Since the control transistor 30 is turned on, it transmits the driving voltage V1 from the power supply unit 1 to the base of the switching transistor 28, thereby turning the switching transistor 28 on. Since switching transistor 28 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to the collector of switching transistor 28 , thereby applying a low logic signal to the base of switching transistor 25 . Switching transistor 25 is preferably of PNP type. As a result, switching transistor 25 is turned on in response to a low logic signal. The conduction of the switch transistor 25 forms a loop consisting of the power supply unit 1, the switch transistor 25, the water supply motor 6, the switch transistor 28 and the ground terminal. Through the formed loop, the driving voltage V2 is transmitted from the power supply unit 1 to the water supply motor 6 to make it rotate clockwise.

Since the water supply motor 6 rotates clockwise through the above operation of the water supply motor rotation controller 7, it pumps water from the water supply tank 50 for a predetermined time period to provide the pumped water to the tray 42 in the automatic ice maker.

At this moment, since water is not completely supplied from the water supply tank 50 to the tray 42 in the automatic ice maker, water remains in the water supply hose. Since the temperature of the freezing part is low, the water remaining in the water supply hose may freeze. In this case, water cannot be normally supplied from the water supply tank 50 to the tray 42 of the automatic ice making device, thereby causing a malfunction of the automatic ice making device. To solve such a problem, the water remaining in the water supply hose must flow back to the water supply tank 50 .

Therefore, after the predetermined time limit for providing water from the water supply tank 50 to the tray 42 in the automatic ice making device has passed, the microcomputer 9 outputs a high logic control signal at its third output terminal OUT3, and outputs a high logic control signal at the fourth output terminal OUT4. Low logic control signal. The high logic control signal from the third output terminal OUT3 of the microcomputer 9 is applied to the base of the control transistor 29 , and the low logic control signal from the fourth output terminal OUT4 of the microcomputer 9 is provided to the base of the control transistor 30 . Due to the NPN type of the control transistors 29 and 30, the control transistor 29 is turned on in response to a high logic control signal from the third output terminal OUT3 of the microcomputer 9, and the control transistor 30 is turned off in response to a low logic control signal from the fourth output terminal OUT4 of the microcomputer 9 . Since the control transistor 30 is turned off, the switching transistors 25 and 28 are turned off.

Since the control transistor 29 is turned on, the driving voltage V1 is transmitted from the power supply unit 1 to the base of the switching transistor 28, thereby turning the switching transistor 28 on. Since switching transistor 28 is turned on, the ground voltage is transferred to the collector of switching transistor 26, thereby providing a low logic signal to the base of switching transistor 27. Switching transistor 27 is preferably of PNP type. As a result, switching transistor 27 is turned on in response to a low logic signal. The turned-on switching transistor 27, the water supply motor 6, the loop formed by the switching transistor 26 and the ground terminal. Through the formed loop, the driving voltage V2 is supplied from the power supply unit 1 to the water supply motor 6, so that the water supply motor 6 rotates counterclockwise.

Since the water supply motor 6 rotates counterclockwise through the above operation of the water supply motor rotation controller 7, the water remaining in the water supply hose flows back to the water supply tank 50.

Thereafter, the microcomputer 9 outputs a low logic control signal at its third and fourth output terminals OUT3 and OUT4 to turn off the water supply motor 6 .

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water remaining in the water supply hose from freezing.

As is clear from the above description, the present invention has the following advantages.

First, the tray alternately performs a forward ice extraction operation and a reverse ice extraction operation, so that the tray can be prevented from being deformed or damaged. Therefore, the lifetime of a tray can be improved.

Second, when the ice harvesting motor is overloaded during the ice harvesting operation, it can be automatically detected and the ice harvesting motor is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to increase the life of the ice-taking motor and prevent breakdown.

Third, when the water level in the water supply tank is lower than a predetermined value, an alarm is automatically generated so that the user can easily have an appropriate time to refill the water supply tank.

Fourth, when both of the refrigerator having the automatic ice making function and the dispenser are driven at the same time, the operation of the automatic ice making device is stopped, and water is preferentially supplied to the dispenser. Therefore, the user does not have to operate the dispenser for a long time to obtain the desired amount of water from the dispenser.

Finally, the water trapped in the water supply hose to the tray flows back to the water supply tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water remaining in the water supply hose from freezing. This has the effect of stabilizing the water supply function and thus preventing its erroneous operation.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for purposes of understanding, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various changes, additions and substitutions which are inseparable from the disclosure disclosed by the appended claims. scope and substance of the invention.

Claims (27)

1. automatic ice-making plant, comprise a power supply unit that is used for to said automatic ice-making plant power supply, one be used to make pallet required direction rotate with realize said automatic ice-making plant get the ice operation get the ice motor, one is used for the water supply motor that draws water from the supply tank pump, a tray position discriminator that is used to differentiate said pallet turned position, one is used to make the user can select the function selector of the various functions of said automatic ice-making plant, one be used for that the distributor that supplies drinking water to the user and one is used to check the ice making state get the ice discriminator, it is characterized in that also comprising:

Get ice motor control device for pivoting, be used to control the said rotating operation of getting the ice motor;

Water supply motor control device for pivoting is used to control the rotating operation of said water supply motor;

The water supply behavior control device is used for providing the water of being taken out by said water supply electric-motor pump to said automatic ice-making plant and said distributor;

Condensate tank of dehumidifier is used for detecting the water level of said supply tank;

Alarm generator is used to respond the water level generation alarm that said condensate tank of dehumidifier detects; With

System control device is used to control the whole operation of said automatic ice-making plant.

2. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that the said ice motor control device for pivoting of getting comprises:

Forward and reverser device are used for providing driving voltage from said power supply unit to the said ice motor of getting, to control said rotation direction of getting the ice motor; With

Switch controlling device is used under the control of said system control device, controls the ON/OFF state of said forward and reverser device.

3. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that said forward switching device comprises:

First switching transistor is used for applying driving voltage from said power supply unit to a said end of getting the ice motor; With

The second switch transistor is used for executing ground voltage to the said other end of getting the ice motor.

4. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that said reverser device comprises:

The 3rd switching transistor is used for applying driving voltage from said power supply unit to the said said other end of getting the ice motor; With

The 4th switching transistor is used for providing ground voltage to a said said end of getting the ice motor.

5. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that said switch controlling device comprises:

The first control transistor is used to respond first control signal from said system control device, controls the ON/OFF state of said forward switching device.

6. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that said water supply motor control device for pivoting comprises:

Forward and reverser device are used for providing driving voltage from said power supply unit to said water supply motor, to control the rotation direction of said water supply motor; With

Switch controlling device is used under the control of said system control device, controls said forward and reverser device ON/OFF state.

7. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that said forward switching device comprises:

First switching transistor is used for first end to said water supply motor and applies driving voltage from said power supply unit; With

The second switch transistor is used for applying ground voltage to the other end of said water supply motor.

8. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that said reverser device comprises:

The 3rd switching transistor is used for the said other end to said water supply motor and applies driving voltage from said power supply unit; With

The 4th switching transistor is used for applying ground voltage to a said end of said water supply motor.

9. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that said switch controlling device comprises:

The first control transistor is used to respond first control signal from said system control device, controls the ON/OFF state of said forward switching device; With

The second control transistor is used for respectively should controlling the ON/OFF state of said reverser device from second control signal of said system control device.

10. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that said water supply behavior control device comprises:

A distributor switch is on the desired position, the refrigerator outside that the mode that can operate with the user is provided with;

Opening/closing, response is driven from the driving voltage of said power supply unit, supplies water to said automatic ice-making plant with control;

Switching device is used for providing ground voltage to said opening/closing, to control the ON/OFF state of said opening/closing; With

Switch controlling device is used for the ON/OFF state according to said distributor switch, controls the switching manipulation of said switching device.

11. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that the opening of the said switching device of response of said opening/closing and open, to open the water route between said supply tank and the said distributor, thereby provide the water of extracting out by said water supply electric-motor pump to said distributor, it responds closing of said switching device and closes, opening the water route between said supply tank and the said automatic ice-making plant, thereby provide the water of extracting out by said water supply electric-motor pump to said automatic ice-making plant.

12. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that said switch controlling device to respond opening of said distributor switch and open said switching device, to open the water route between said supply tank and the said distributor, it responds closing of said distributor switch and closes said switching device, to open the water route between said supply tank and the said automatic ice-making plant.

13. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that said condensate tank of dehumidifier comprises:

A cell is limited on the given position in the refrigerator FF storage part, is used to lay said supply tank;

A level sensor is fixedly mounted on the bottom center of said cell, and said level sensor is axially grooved, and forms the side axial passage that is formed by opposing sidewalls thus;

The sensor holding device, vertically be formed on the bottom center of said supply tank, so that said supply tank slips into the inside of said cell smoothly, said sensor holding device comprises a pair of at the axially extended parallel slot in said supply tank bottom, is used for admitting slidably respectively the opposing sidewalls of said level sensor;

Transparency window is separately positioned on the opposing sidewalls of said groove;

The light transmission/reception is arranged on the said level sensor, is used to transmit and receive optical signal.

14. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that said smooth transmission/reception comprises:

A photodiode is arranged on the sidewall of said level sensor opposing sidewalls, is used to launch optical signal; With

A phototransistor is arranged on another sidewall of said level sensor opposing sidewalls, is used to receive the optical signal from said photodiode.

15. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that said alarm generator comprises a light emitting diode that is used to produce optical signal, the negative pole that said light emitting diode has is used to import the driving voltage from said power supply unit, and its positive pole is used to import the control signal from said system control device.

16., it is characterized in that also comprising and get the ice electric motor protective device, be used to detect and be applied to said load of getting the ice motor, and protect the said ice motor of getting to avoid overload according to the result who detects as the said a kind of automatic ice-making plant of claim 1.

17. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that the said ice electric motor protecting function of getting comprises:

Voltage check device links to each other with the said ice motor of getting, and is used for, detecting and being applied to the said voltage of icing on the motor of getting when getting ice motor forward and backward rotation said;

A pair of voltage grading resistor is used for required ratio the driving voltage from said power supply unit being carried out dividing potential drop; With

A comparator, its non-inverting input is used to import the voltage by said voltage grading resistor institute dividing potential drop, its inverting input is used for importing of the voltage that detected by said voltage check device, said comparator compares two voltages of input, and to said system control device output comparative result, to control said operation of getting the ice motor.

18. a kind of automatic ice-making plant as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that said voltage check device comprises:

The first voltage detecting resistor links to each other with a said end of getting the ice motor, is used for, detecting and imposing on the said voltage of icing motor of getting when getting ice motor forward rotation when said; With

The second voltage detecting resistor links to each other with the said other end of getting the ice motor, is used for, detecting and imposing on the said voltage of icing motor of getting when getting ice motor backward rotation when said.

19. an automatic ice-making method is characterized in that comprising:

Get the ice motor and rotate the control step, the said forward of getting the ice motor that is used to hocket is got the ice operation and is oppositely got the ice operation;

Get ice electric motor protecting step, be used to respond the signal of overload state, control said operation of getting the ice motor;

Warnings/indication the step that supplies water is used for detecting the water level of said supply tank, if the water level of detection is lower than predetermined value, then produces alarm;

Water supply state control step is used for stopping said automatic ice-making function when driving said automatic ice-making plant and said distributor simultaneously, preferentially supplies water to said distributor; With

Water supply Electric Machine Control step is used for making the current that remain in water supply hose to return said supply tank.

20. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 19; it is characterized in that saidly getting the step that ice electric motor protecting step comprises and being; if from produce get ice electric motor protective device control signal be normal state signal; then open the said ice motor control device for pivoting of getting; the said ice motor of getting of driven; if from said control signal of getting the ice electric motor protective device is the overload state signal; then turn off the said ice motor control device for pivoting of getting, to stop said operation of getting the ice motor.

21. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 19, it is characterized in that the step that said water supply warning/indication step comprises is, calculate the capacity of said supply tank, the accumulation output, calculate poor between the output of the capacity of the said supply tank calculated and accumulation, to obtain to remain in the quantity of the water in the said supply tank,, then produce alarm if the water yield that is obtained is lower than predetermined value.

22. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that drawing the output of accumulation by the water supply capacity of said water supply motor and used time of accumulation are multiplied each other, the water supply capacity of wherein said water supply motor is the water yield that the per second pump is taken out.

23. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that the step that said water supply warning/indication step comprises is,

If said water supply warning/pointing-type is in original state, it is characterized in that adding water to said supply tank by using, then preset a counting operation;

In the used time that drives the stored counts during it of said water supply motor;

When said water supply motor stops, calculating total output by the used time of stored counts and the water supply capacity of said water supply motor;

Poor between the total output that calculates the capacity of said supply tank and calculated is to draw the quantity that remains in water in the said supply tank; With

If the water yield of above calculating is lower than predetermined value, then produce alarm.

24. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 19, it is characterized in that the step that said water supply warning/indication step comprises is, finish the initial temperature that detects said pallet after getting ice operation, in the present temperature that after said pallet supplies water, detects said pallet, calculate the poor of the detected initial and present temperature of said pallet, if the difference of calculating is lower than predetermined value, then produce alarm.

25. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that the step that said total supply calculating comprises is:

Finish the original state of getting the ice operation, detecting the initial temperature of said pallet;

Get ice operation and after said pallet supplies water, detect the present temperature of said pallet finishing; With

Calculate poor between the detected initial and present temperature of said pallet,, then produce alarm if the difference of calculating is lower than predetermined value.

26. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that the step that said water supply state control step comprises is:

Check whether the user has opened the distributor switch that is arranged on the desired location of the refrigerator outside;

Opened by the user if check out said distributor switch, then supply water to said distributor;

When turning off said distributor switch, check whether said automatic ice-making is in water supply pattern; With

Be in water supply pattern if check out said automatic ice-making, then supply water to said pallet.

27. a kind of automatic ice-making method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that the step that said water supply Electric Machine Control step comprises is:

If said automatic ice-making is in water supply pattern, then supply water to said pallet, then, said one time limit scheduled time of water supply motor is rotated in counter-rotating.

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